News & Updates

Spathoglottis – a beautiful terrestrial orchid

A Beautiful Yellow-Flowering SpathoglottisYou have probably seen this orchid as you stroll down garden center aisles.  It is not as fancy as the other striking orchids – Cattleya or Phalaenopsis.   Rather petite in nature, this orchid is eye-catching in its own way with small, gem-like flowers.  The palm-like foliage is deep green, pleated, and up…

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Broward County Tree Trimmer Ordinance Sunsets in 2024

Broward County Tree Trimmer License The Broward County tree trimmer licensing program dates back to October 2000 when the Broward County Board of County Commissioners passed an ordinance regulating the county’s tree trimming industry. This action was taken to improve the quality of trimming in the county and protect the health, safety and welfare of…

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Composting Basics

If a tree falls in the forest, and there is no one there to hear it, does it make a sound? Of course it does, and I’m sure it’s quite loud. That philosophical question has never held my interest. Now, if you start talking about what happens to the tree after it falls, you will…

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Plants at Their Peak: Valentine Blossoms, Pink Trumpet Trees!

Pink Trumpet Tree litters the grounds with flowers as it peaks.As Valentine’s Day approaches, Southern Florida prepares for a breathtaking spectacle of pink: the blooming of Handroanthus impetiginosus, commonly known as the Pink Trumpet Tree or a Pink Tabebuia. Despite being nonnative, this stunning tree has integrated itself into being a staple of our urban landscape,…

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Why Does My Turfgrass Turn Brown

Pink Trumpet Tree litters the grounds with flowers as it peaks.As Valentine’s Day approaches, Southern Florida prepares for a breathtaking spectacle of pink: the blooming of Handroanthus impetiginosus, commonly known as the Pink Trumpet Tree or a Pink Tabebuia. Despite being nonnative, this stunning tree has integrated itself into being a staple of our urban landscape,…

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Winter Pruning Maintenance: Tips for a Healthy Landscape

In the southeastern United States, the fall armyworm is a pest that is found…in the winter (as well as other parts of the year, lucky us).  Right now, yards around central Florida may be experiencing the fall armyworm. The fall armyworm is a moth (Spodoptera frugiperda) that causes plant damage during the larval phase. Armyworm eggs…

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It’s not fall, but the fall armyworm is here

In the southeastern United States, the fall armyworm is a pest that is found…in the winter (as well as other parts of the year, lucky us).  Right now, yards around central Florida may be experiencing the fall armyworm. The fall armyworm is a moth (Spodoptera frugiperda) that causes plant damage during the larval phase. Armyworm eggs…

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Heart-Healthy Foods for Valentine’s Day: Love Your Heart!

Valentine’s Day! A day full of love, hugs, and… chocolates? Well, this year we’re giving a twist to the Valentine’s menu. Instead of the regular heart-shaped candies, how about we fill our plates with foods that are actually good for our hearts? Sounds interesting? Let’s do this! Salmon: The Heart’s BFF! Have you ever heard…

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Florada Friendly Features: Imposter Pitch Apple?

Introduction I try to eat fish several times during the week. Many organizations have recommended eating seafood twice a week. For example, the US Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends that adults eat eight ounces of fish or seafood per week. https://www.dietaryguidelines.gov/sites/default/files/2021-03/DGA_2020-2025_StartSimple_withMyPlate_English_color.pdf  Seafood includes fish and shellfish, such as salmon, clams, oysters, tuna, snapper, shrimp, crab, and…

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Fish and Seafood Safety

I frequently get questions asking, “Why is this turfgrass turning brown?” The quick answer is that it depends, although that alone is not helpful. There are two reasons why turfgrass begins to yellow or get chlorotic, and in some cases continues to a straw or brown appearance. Reason One The first reason is due to…

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February 2024 Florida First Detector

Recap of February 2024 First Friday with Florida First Detector In this month’s webinar, we talked about plant pathogens. A pathogen is any organism that causes disease. Some pathogens that can impact plants include fungi, bacteria, viruses, nematodes and more. When we are checking our plants for issues, we look for both signs and symptoms.…

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Why Go Med?

When you hear the term “Going Med”, what do you think it means? This term is in reference to following the Mediterranean Diet, which has shown an impact on the prevention and management of several chronic diseases. It’s a way of eating that comes from the foods available and consumed by those living in the…

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